Protecting Sharks and Empowering Communities: The Story of Fundacion Mundo Azul

05/13/24 • 67 min

Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation

Tune in to the Beyond Jaws podcast to hear Elisa Areano, Executive Director of Fundacion Mundo Azul, share her inspiring journey from real estate developer to shark conservationist. Discover how her foundation protects sharks and collaborates with fishing communities to reduce shark fishing impacts. Join host Andrew Lewin and co-host Dr. David Ebert as they delve into Elisa's innovative approach to shark conservation on this engaging episode.

Website: https://fundacionmundoazul.com/home-english/

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Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas Website: https://saveourseas.com/

Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

Elisa Areno's organization, Fundacion Mundo Azul, is dedicated to protecting sharks and rays in Guatemala and Central America through a multifaceted approach. The foundation collaborates closely with fishing communities to address their challenges while promoting conservation efforts. One key initiative of Fundacion Mundo Azul is providing scholarships to fishers' families, offering educational opportunities for children and young adults in these communities. By supporting education, the foundation aims to create alternative livelihoods for community members, reducing the reliance on shark fishing as a primary income source.

Fundacion Mundo Azul also works with the government to advocate for conservation laws and regulations that safeguard sharks and rays. Elisa and her team focus on developing non-detrimental findings (NDFs) and legal acquisition findings to ensure that the exported organisms are from Guatemala and comply with international agreements like CITES. By engaging with the government, the foundation plays a crucial role in shaping policies that promote sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation.

Moreover, Fundacion Mundo Azul conducts scientific studies to track sharks and identify critical habitats, such as nursery areas for hammerhead sharks. By collecting data and monitoring shark populations, the organization contributes valuable information to conservation efforts and aids in the management of marine species. Through these initiatives, Fundacion Mundo Azul strives to protect the marine biodiversity of Guatemala and Central America while fostering collaboration among stakeholders for sustainable ocean management.

The organization collaborates closely with shark fishers in Guatemala to gather valuable data on shark landings. They train fishers in shark identification techniques, such as measuring sharks, taking pictures, and identifying different species. This collaboration not only helps in collecting important scientific data but also empowers fishers by involving them in conservation efforts.

In addition to data collection and training, Fundacion Mundo Azul provides alternative livelihood opportunities for shark fishers, such as producing honey from mangrove trees. This project offers a sustainable income source for fishers and promotes conservation by utilizing the resources of the mangrove ecosystem in a beneficial way.

Elisa Areno's team includes scientists like Omar Santana and Juan Carlos Perez, who play crucial roles in engaging and educating fishing communities, conducting scientific studies on sharks, and advocating for conservation policies. Omar Santana, with extensive experience working with great whites, brought his expertise to Guatemala to assist Elisa in her shark conservation efforts. Despite the limited biology careers in Guatemala, Elisa wisely sought experts like Omar Santana abroad, who possess the necessary knowledge and experience to contribute to the conservation projects.

Additionally, Juan Carlos Perez is another scientist working with Elisa to cultivate a new generation of shark scientists. Together, they focus on educating and training young individuals to become knowledgeable and respectful researchers in the field of shark conservation. This new team of young scientists is crucial in engaging with fishing communities, respecting their knowledge and expertise, and working collaboratively to protect sharks and advocate for conservation policies.

In conclusion, Elisa's team of scientists, including Omar Santana and Juan Carlos Perez, play a vital role in conducting scientific studies, engaging with fishing communities, and advocating for conservation policies to protect sharks and their habitats in Guatemala. Their...

Website: https://fundacionmundoazul.com/home-english/

Connect with us:

Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeKInstagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ

Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas Website: https://saveourseas.com/

Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

Previous Episode

The Field Guide to Sharks, Rays, and Chimeras: A Deep Dive with Dr. David Ebert

Today's episode features Dr. David Ebert discussing a newly released field guide to sharks, rays, and chimaeras of the East Coast of North America, co-authored with Marc Dando. The guide is designed to help identify these fascinating elasmobranch species. The episode delves into the history of shark science, from early misconceptions to the growth of the field and public interest, spurred by movies like Jaws. Listen to the Beyond Jaws podcast to learn more about shark scientists and their work beyond the realm of fear-inducing stereotypes.

Get the Book:

Princeton Press: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206387/field-guide-to-sharks-rays-and-chimaeras-of-the-east-coast-of-north

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Field-Sharks-Chimaeras-America-Nature/dp/0691206384/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MmtU26mctpU9oWs-iHl9Oj7FGgLdNJzoulVHs62dOh2_fzvZ_UqdqfBkud3kCCOpmbRmRbb-exgC1Bu4aw-WP6SYwaft5XW_tG56eGut-OwIeT2yp0NsFsKoiET6sjxK9Qt8UgKp4gV_6BBsp-BW4kHysQIZOjIIlukgLC7eOPhgboEc5YJJl541THpp5EsvJXrDB-qqisgMbgKnyLRECqn8om4D7EPVTkw8OazzXEA._WUlFKrLA1d7-iyRi0U0PZ1u_1RwhlZ7nAIuWVxKUak&qid=1714956730&sr=1-5

Connect with us:

Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeKInstagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ

Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas Website: https://saveourseas.com/

Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

"The Field Guide to Sharks, Rays, and Chimeras of the East Coast of North America" is a newly released book authored by Dr. David Ebert and Marc Dando. This book serves as a valuable resource for a wide range of individuals, including shark enthusiasts, scientists, and students. Here are some key points highlighting the value of this book:

Identification and Information: The book is designed to help readers identify and learn about the various species of sharks, rays, and chimeras found along the East Coast of North America, including the Gulf of Mexico. With detailed illustrations by Marc Dando, the book provides comprehensive information on 173 species, including their morphology, distribution, and behavior.
Educational Tool: For students interested in marine biology, conservation, or shark science, this field guide offers a wealth of information. It can be used as a reference for research projects, species identification, and understanding the diversity of elasmobranchs in the region.
Conservation and Management: The book is not only informative but also serves as a tool for conservation and management efforts. By providing detailed information on lesser-known species and highlighting the importance of studying flat sharks, ghost sharks, and other less charismatic species, the book encourages a broader perspective on shark conservation.
Inspiration for Future Research: Dr. David Ebert's passion for lost sharks and deep-sea species is evident in the book. His dedication to studying and documenting these lesser-known species can inspire future scientists to explore new avenues of research within the field of elasmobranch biology.
Practical Use: The book is not just for academics but also for enthusiasts and beachgoers. It can be a handy guide for those interested in shark watching, beachcombing, or even diving. The detailed descriptions, illustrations, and identification keys make it accessible to a wide audience.

In conclusion, "The Field Guide to Sharks, Rays, and Chimeras of the East Coast of North America" is a valuable resource that bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding of elasmobranch species. It serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in learning more about the diverse marine life along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

Dr. David Ebert's passion for sharks and dedication to sharing knowledge through books has inspired many individuals to pursu...

Next Episode

Exploring the Unknown: Shark Research in Angola with Ana Lucia Furtado Soares

Today's episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast delves into the Angola Project, a groundbreaking research initiative in Africa led by Ana Lucia Furtado Soares. Discover how this project started, Lucia's connections to Angola, and the research findings since 2016. Join hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they explore the fascinating world of shark science with a rising star in the field. Tune in to gain valuable insights Beyond Jaws.

Website: https://www.sharkproject.org/en/protection/angola-elasmo-project/

Connect with us:

Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeKInstagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ

Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas Website: https://saveourseas.com/

Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

Building trust and relationships with local communities is crucial for successful research in new areas. Ana Lucia Furtado Soares, a researcher working in Angola, emphasized the importance of gaining the trust of the local communities she works with. She highlighted the significance of understanding the culture, respecting the elders, and being patient with the local customs and way of working, especially when conducting research on sharks and rays, which are vital to the livelihoods of the fishers in the area.

Ana Lucia shared her experiences of working with the fishers in Angola, where she had to establish trust and rapport with them to collect data and conduct her research. Despite facing challenges such as uncertainty, lack of resources like electricity and water, and the need to adapt to the local conditions, she stressed the importance of being patient, understanding the local dynamics, and building relationships based on mutual respect and trust.

Her experiences in Angola underscore the importance of building strong relationships with local communities when conducting research in new areas. By gaining the trust of the community members, researchers can access valuable information, collaborate effectively, and ensure the success of their research projects. This trust is not only essential for conducting research but also for promoting conservation efforts and sustainable practices in the area.

In the episode, Ana Lucia Furtado Soares shares her experiences conducting research in Angola, a remote location with limited resources and infrastructure. One of the key challenges she highlights is the uncertainty that comes with working in such areas. From unreliable electricity to lack of access to basic facilities like generators, researchers like Lucia must learn to adapt to these challenges.

Lucia emphasizes the importance of patience and adaptability when working in remote locations. She mentions the need to dance to the local rhythm and be prepared for unexpected situations, such as waiting for hours for people to show up for a presentation or dealing with the absence of basic amenities like electricity.

Moreover, Lucia's experiences in Angola demonstrate the necessity of being open to different cultural practices and communication barriers. While Portuguese is the primary language in Angola, there are variations in dialects and language proficiency among the local population. Researchers must be willing to navigate these linguistic differences and find ways to effectively communicate with the community members.

Overall, the episode highlights the significance of embracing uncertainty and being adaptable when conducting research in remote locations. Researchers like Lucia demonstrate that success in such environments requires a willingness to face challenges head-on, be patient, and adjust to the unique circumstances of each location.

Appreciating and being grateful for the resources and facilities available in more developed countries is crucial when working in areas with limited resources. In the podcast episode, Ana Lucia Furtado Soares shared her experiences working in Angola, a country with challenges such as unreliable electricity and water supply. She highlighted the importance of adapting to the local conditions and being patient with the uncertainties that come with working in such environments.

Ana Lucia emphasized the need to appreciate the basic amenities that are often taken for granted in more developed countries. She mentioned instances where she had to work without electricity or faced challenges with communication due to lack of power. Despite these obstacles, she maintained a positive attitude and recognize...